A contemporary update on rates and management of toxicities of targeted therapies for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To provide an updated review of adverse events associated with sunitinib, pazopanib, bevacizumab, temsirolimus, axitinib, everolimus and sorafenib and their management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a PubMed and Cochrane-based review of side effects associated with the seven agents including product monographs to provide an outline of treatment measures aiming to reduce their toxicities. Subject and outcome of interest, design type, sample size, pertinence and quality, and detail of reporting were the indicators of manuscript quality.

RESULTS: All targeted therapies cause adverse events. Most adverse events may be prevented or tested before they escalate to severe levels.

CONCLUSION: Prevention, early recognition, and prompt management of side effects are of key importance and avoid unnecessary dose reductions, which may undermine treatment efficacy.